Things To Do
in Messias

Messias is a small municipality in Northeast Brazil, nestled in a hot, semi-arid interior with a calm, rural charm. The town sits amid gentle hills and agricultural landscapes, offering a slow pace and friendly local hospitality. Visitors can explore traditional markets, colonial-style architecture, and scenic viewpoints that overlook the surrounding countryside.

It’s a compact, welcoming place that makes for relaxed day trips from larger cities in Bahia and the wider region.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Messias
morning
:

Arrive at Marechal Marco Pontes International Airport and take a scenic drive to Messias. Settle into your cozy accommodation, perhaps a local pousada that captures the essence of Brazilian hospitality. Spend the morning relaxing and adjusting to the tropical environment.

afternoon
:

After lunch, take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Messias, admiring the colonial architecture that tells stories of the past. Visit local shops where artisans sell handmade crafts, offering a taste of the region's culture. Enjoy a refreshing coconut water to beat the heat.

evening
:

As the sun sets, find a local restaurant to savor a traditional meal, perhaps trying the regional specialty of fish moqueca. The ambiance is lively, with music and laughter filling the air, creating a perfect introduction to Brazilian nightlife. End your day by enjoying an evening walk to the nearby beach as the stars light up the night sky.

day 2
Exploring Local Culture
morning
:

Begin your day with a visit to a nearby community market, where vibrant fruits and vegetables fill the stalls. Interact with local vendors to learn about their crafts and the stories behind the produce. This immersive experience allows you to connect deeply with the culture.

afternoon
:

Attend a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Brazilian dishes using the fresh ingredients you bought earlier. Enjoy the fruits of your labor as you sit down to a homemade lunch with fellow participants. This culinary adventure deepens your appreciation for local flavors.

evening
:

Explore Messias' nightlife by attending a local samba or forró dance event, where you can watch skilled dancers and even join in. The rhythm and passion of Brazilian music will invigorate your spirit, creating unforgettable memories. Wind down with a drink at a cozy bar, chatting with locals and sharing your experiences.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
Coffee/Tea$1-3
🚕Taxi ride (short distance)$2-6
🏨Hostel/Hotel per night$15-40
🛒Groceries (basic) per week$20-40

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Friendly locals and affordable prices
  • Calm, relaxed pace of life
  • Close proximity to nature and rural scenery
  • Limited large-scale attractions
  • Fewer public transport options
  • Quiet nightlife compared to larger cities
  • "Olá" - Hello
  • "Bom dia" - Good morning
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Onde fica o [lugar]?" - Where is the [place]?
  • "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Ajuda" - Help

Places to Visit in Messias

Visit one of these nice places.

Praça Central

Historic square with colonial buildings and a colorful church; ideal for sunrise and candid street photography.

Mirante do Rio

River overlook offering views of the surrounding countryside and distant hills, great for wide landscape shots.

Cachoeira de Messias Vista

Waterfall viewpoints in nearby rural trails; morning light enhances the mist and foliage.

Fazenda com canavial

Old sugarcane farm backdrop with rustic structures and vast fields for rural-adventure photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Messias

Bahian-influenced cuisine shapes the local food scene, featuring coastal flavors, cassava, coconut milk, and flavorful meats. Expect hearty, rustic dishes made with locally grown ingredients, often served with rice, beans, and farofa. Fresh tropical fruits, cold coconut water, and regional sweets provide refreshing contrasts to the warm days. For drinks, sample cashew fruit juice, local cachaça-based cocktails, and strong Brazilian coffee in the mornings.

Messias Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Acarajé

A deep-fried ball of black-eyed pea batter filled with vatapá and caruru; best found at street stalls or markets.

Must-Try!

Moqueca de peixe

Fish stew cooked in coconut milk and dendê oil, with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro; often served with rice and pirão.

Carne de sol com mandioca

Sun-dried beef served with mashed cassava or fried cassava; a rural specialty common in inland eateries.

Bobó de camarão

Shrimp purée simmered with coconut milk and palm oil, typically paired with rice.

Pirão

Cornmeal porridge cooked into a creamy side dish to accompany stews and fish.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Messias

A compact market offering fresh produce, regional snacks, and cassava-based delights; ideal for sampling everyday flavors.

Street food corners

Tapioca stalls and grilled corn along the plaza area provide quick, tasty bites.

Climate Guide

Weather

Messias has a hot tropical climate with a distinct dry season and a rainy season. Daytime temperatures commonly range from the low 20s°C to mid-30s°C, with higher heat during the peak of summer and cooler nights in winter.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A warm smile and a handshake or cheek kiss in casual settings; address people respectfully as senhor/senhora.

Safety Guide

Safety

Petty crime can occur in crowded markets and tourist areas; keep valuables secure, use reputable transport, and avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night. Stay aware of weather-related hazards during the rainy season and follow local guidance.

Tipping in Messias

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants and hotels, a tip of 5-10% is customary if service is not included. Small vendors rarely expect tips, but polite rounding is appreciated.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Dry season with intense sun; bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water; occasional afternoon storms in some years.

Winter

Warmer days and cooler nights; comfortable for outdoor activities and photography at golden hour.

Rainy season

Typically November to March with frequent showers; plan outdoor plans for the morning and have a backup indoor option.

Nightlife Guide

Messias at Night

The nightlife in Messias tends to be low-key and community-focused, with weekend gatherings at bars offering forró and sertanejo music, small live performances, and outdoor social spots that encourage conversation over music.

Hiking in Messias

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Trilha da Serra da Bicha

Short scenic hike with valley views and farmland scenery.

Trilha do Rio do Meio

River-edge trail with shade, water features, and occasional wildlife sightings.

Airports

How to reach Messias by plane.

Salvador International Airport (SSA)

Main international airport serving the region; access Messias via road transfer or private car.

Aracaju–Santa Maria International (AJU)

Regional hub; convenient access to Bahia and Sergipe with road transfer options.

Porto Seguro Airport (BPS)

Nearby option for domestic flights; longer transfer to Messias but useful for some routes.

Getting Around

Walkability

Messias is walkable in its central district, with most attractions within a 15-20 minute stroll. Outside the center, streets can be uneven and hot, so some travel by car, scooter, or taxi is common.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many residents are multi-generational families; community events are common.

Farmers

Agrarian economy with crop and cattle farming; rural tourism is growing.

Students and Travelers

Youth and visitors seeking a slower-paced Northeast experience.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Soccer (Futebol)

The most popular sport; local matches and informal games are common.

Capoeira

Traditional Brazilian martial art and dance practiced in parks and cultural centers.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is light in the town center; regional roads can become busier during market days or holidays. Public buses are limited, so many visitors rely on taxis or rideshare services.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Messias.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Look for fresh vegetables, beans, rice, and cassava-based dishes; ask for dairy-free adaptations where needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

There are local clinics and a basic health center in town; larger hospitals are in bigger cities nearby. For specialized care, travel to Salvador or Aracaju depending on the service required.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide